Huntington takes ag to the next level: Animal science center opens

HUNTINGTON, Ind. — The Don Strauss Animal Science Education Center opened its doors Nov. 16 at Huntington University.

The new halls await a few finishing touches — wall décor, students and animals.

“This is how legacies are formed,” said Gov. Eric Holcomb at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “Agriculture is in our DNA. It’s our original calling card. It’s what attracted people to move here in the first place.”

Sherilyn Emberton, president of Huntington University, said there were challenges while building during a pandemic. But the struggle was worth the outcome.

“The Don Strauss Animal Science Education Center started as a dream, an idea of something that would move Huntington University’s ag program to the next level,” Emberton said. “Something that would give our students a best-in-class experience and allow them to get hands-on learning with livestock.”

Construction on the center was announced in December 2019. Construction began this spring.

The 10,000-square-foot space will include an on-site classroom and large, flexible pen space to host a variety of livestock.

The building was named after the late Don Strauss, founder of Strauss Veal Feeds and Midwest Poultry Services.

Learn more at www.huntington.edu.